Paraprofessional

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Paraprofessional

Supervisor: Associate Head of School of Transitions

Weekly Hours: Up to 40 hours

Regular Daily Schedule: 8:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Calendar to Follow: 10-Month Academic Calendar

Status: Non-Exempt

Term: 10 Months

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

The Paraprofessional is directly responsible for supporting an identified student under the supervision of the Head of School.  The primary responsibility of the para is to support and assist the student through modification of materials.  In this capacity it is expected that the Paraprofessional will establish help to support collaborative relationships with parents and Cooke colleagues to ensure successful inclusion for Cooke students.  The Paraprofessional is also expected to support the students traveling to and/from their community service and/or ‘job’ sites.  

Essential Job Functions

Paraprofessionals are assigned to students only when the student requires support related to  health, behavior, or instruction beyond the make-up of classroom staff. As such, it is imperative that students who are receiving 1:1 staffing assignments have the staff physically present for the full duration of the school day. Beginning at 8:30 am ending at 3:45 pm.

• Must be physically present from 8:30 am through 3:45 pm - no exceptions can be made
• Must be able to adhere to the Physical Requirements listed below - no exceptions can be made

Assessment and Instruction

• Supervise an individual student or small group of students during specific activities as directed by the classroom teacher and/or consultant teacher or site administrator as per the teacher’s lesson plan
• Demonstrate patience, flexibility and initiative in working with all students
• Assist in transitioning students from one activity to another
• Assist with the organization of materials used for initial and ongoing assessments
• Assist in creating activities for students with the support of the professional members of the team
• Utilize a variety of instructional strategies, materials, and resources
• Provide students with appropriate support for success in their community experiences and/or at their job sites

Classroom Organization and Management

• Assist in the implementation of a consistent daily routine
• Implement behavior plans with integrity and consistency
• Maintain daily/weekly observations/anecdotes on students as requested
• Assist in creating and maintaining a nurturing, supportive environment
• Assist with the management of student portfolios
• Assist in organizing furniture, materials and resources in an inviting and safe manner

General Professional Responsibilities

• Initiate and foster good working relationships with Head Teacher, Paraprofessionals, Related Service Providers, regular Educators, and Site Administrators
• Attend and participate in Cooke School meetings and training programs
• Maintain a professional demeanor and appearance
• Arrive at school and meetings promptly and be prepared for the day’s responsibilities
• Demonstrate courtesy and support to students, colleagues, administrators, and parents
• Utilize supervisor for guidance, discussion, collaboration, professional and self-growth
• Develop professional growth goals with supervisor and create and implement a plan to reach the agreed upon goals

Physical Requirements

Able to maintain the physical capacity required to navigate the school environment and to ensure the safety of the students; the ability to…

•  walk, run, sit, and stand
•  move rapidly forward, backward, and laterally
•  bend and stoop
•  push, pull, and lift

Professional Development

All Cooke staff are responsible for developing a professional growth plan with their supervisor.  Staff training is an integral part of the Cooke School and as such is a requirement of the job.  All staff must at a minimum: attend all scheduled Staff Development activities throughout the year and participate in staff orientation scheduled for the last week in August.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement

The Cooke School and Institute provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Cooke complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

The Cooke School and Institute expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.  Improper interference with the ability of Cooke’s employees to perform their expected job duties is not tolerated.